To Live Is Christ, To Die Is Gain, Comfort in Grief and Eternal Life

If we really stop and think about our life on Earth, we are like pilgrims who are just passing through. This world is not our final destination. God has a divine purpose and plan for each one of us, and it is up to us to be obedient and carry out the mission He has given us.

None of us is immortal here on Earth, but when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we have life after death. That promise is eternal life with our Heavenly Father. We have God’s promises to live by, and even when we face the loss of a family member, the Lord is there to cover us with His love and grace.

Psalm 23:4, God’s comfort in the valley

Scripture reminds us in Psalm 23:4 that even in our darkest moments, God is with us. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Our Lord is there to comfort and strengthen us. When our family members were saved through Jesus, they have the promise of eternal life. In Christ, they are resting in God’s care as we wait for Jesus to return for His people.

Philippians 1:21

The word of the week is Philippians 1:21. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Death is a hard concept to grasp, especially when someone close to you passes away. When you first learn your loved one is gone and the breath of life is no longer there, it can feel impossible to process. Some people enter a state of shock. Others feel numb, as if their mind will not allow them to absorb the loss. Some react immediately and weep, because tears are how they carry grief.

The loss of a loved one can be difficult to accept at first, but by God’s love and grace we can cope. For those who believe in God’s promises through His Son Jesus Christ, Scripture teaches that death is not the end.

John 11:25-26, Jesus is the resurrection and the life

In John 11:25-26, Jesus speaks to Martha, the sister of Lazarus, and gives one of the clearest promises of hope. Jesus told her, I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this.

Jesus had already told Martha that Lazarus would rise, but she still had to believe. In the same way, we must believe that we are redeemed from sin by the price Jesus paid on the cross for humanity. If we live, we live for Christ. If we die, there is an afterlife in heaven. This is the promise God has given us. We are saved by His grace and mercy, and our response is to believe in Him.

When your hope is anchored in God’s written promises, death cannot take away your salvation. Our names are written in the Book of Life. We serve the living God who rose on the third day and overcame death.

Prayer for comfort and healing

Heavenly Father, we come into Your presence to thank You for Your precious love and grace.

We know that all we must do is believe in Your Son to be saved and to have eternal life.

Thank You that You are the Almighty God who overcame death.

Help us rejoice in this truth, and heal the hearts of the brokenhearted.

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

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